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Today the IBEW, along with the other Rail Labor organizations in the Coalition of Rail Unions, reached tentative agreements with the railroads involved in National bargaining. The agreement mirrors the recommendations included in the report of Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) 243 which was released on November 5. The entire PEB report can be found on the IBEW website under the Railroad Department section (click here).

“The last two years of negotiations have been difficult to say the least,” stated IBEW President Ed Hill. “However I believe the agreement reached today, based on the recommendations of the PEB report, is a decent agreement. We made no progress at the bargaining table and none in mediation.

Our only option was to take our dispute to the PEB. With cumulative General Wage Increases of 20.1% over the six year term, a one percent lump sum payment, and employee monthly Health Care cost sharing contained at $200 per month through June 2016, this is a contract that exceeds what the Carriers were claiming should be a ‘pattern settlement.’ I encourage our members to ratify this agreement.” No work rule concessions were made.

With the cooperation and solidarity of the other Rail Labor organizations in both coalitions, this dispute was settled in record time. While it took over two years just to get into mediation during our last round of bargaining, this settlement was reached in less than two years. More information will be forthcoming. Ratification packages will be mailed to all members covered under National handling within the next two weeks.